In the past five years, marketing has shifted from what businesses say about themselves to what consumers say about them.
Consumers crave peer validation, making reviews crucial.
Reviews influence search rankings, consumer decisions, and even the ability to attract talent.
The power dynamics have shifted, and businesses, including shed builders, must adapt to thrive.
GOOGLE FOCUS
Google is the dominant platform for reviews, with over 75 percent of reviews posted there and 90 percent of home service searches conducted on Google. Its influence on search rankings and consumer trust is unparalleled.
Facebook is important, too, but by focusing on Google, shed builders can significantly enhance their visibility and attract more customers.
REVIEWS AFFECT RANKINGS, GROWTH
Reviews affect search rankings through several factors: the number of reviews, star ratings, frequency of reviews, comments with keywords, and responses. A strong review presence can boost your visibility in search results.
Additionally, reviews influence your overall reputation, affecting consumer decisions and even the value of your business if you decide to sell.
GETTING CUSTOMER REVIEWS
The process for getting customers to leave reviews must be simple, seamless, personal, and compel the customer to act.
Automating the request process ensures that a customer is asked every single time. Combining the automation with a personalized and compelling message dramatically increases the volume of reviews.
BEST PLATFORMS
Again, Google is the primary platform due to its dominance in search and consumer trust. Secondary platforms like Facebook are also valuable.
However, focusing on Google will yield the most significant impact on your business’s visibility and reputation.
BUILDING STRONG ONLINE REPUTATION
Proactively ask customers for reviews, respond to their feedback, and continuously improve your services based on their comments.
Integrating review management into your business strategy can help you track your online presence and ensure you are consistently putting your best foot forward.
BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN REVIEWS
Reviews are the number one factor in local rankings. More, consistent reviews mean higher rankings, more visibility, and more leads. Reviews enhance your reputation, making it easier to attract customers and talent, and increasing the value of your business in the long run.
REVIEWS AND THE SALES PROCESS
For online sales, reviews have an impact on how much you need to rely on paid advertising. A well-run strategy should boost your organic (free) online leads by 10-15 percent.
Our data also shows those leads close faster and at a higher close rate, in large part because of the trust you’ve instilled.
STRUGGLING FOR REVIEWS
Companies often face two main challenges with getting reviews: complexity and inconvenience.
Many don’t execute review generation effectively, and the process is often too cumbersome for customers.
Simplifying the process and making it as easy as possible for customers to leave reviews can overcome these challenges.
SHED BUILDERS’ FOCUS FOR 2025
In 2025, focus on building and maintaining a strong online reputation through reviews.
Make the review process simple, prioritize Google, and proactively manage your online presence.
By doing so, you can attract more customers, enhance your reputation, and drive long-term success.
